SEPA issue flood outlook

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a flood outlook, as rain continues to fall in flood affected areas.

David Faichney, SEPA’s Hydrology Duty Manager, said: “Rain will continue over eastern Scotland during the rest of Tuesday, turning increasingly to snow on hills above 500 metres in parts of Tayside and Angus. Current forecasts indicate slightly drier conditions on Wednesday prior to a heavier and more persistent band of rain, spreading north-eastwards overnight into Thursday. This band of rain is expected to slowly clear to the northeast of Scotland during Thursday night, before clearer conditions with scattered showers follow on for Friday and Saturday.

“River levels will continue to drop away slowly today from the peaks we saw yesterday. However main rivers in the northe east are still high, which with continued rainfall today, could result in further localised flooding in parts of Aberdeenshire, Tayside and Angus throughout today, Wednesday and Thursday. It’s possible that some flooding could be significant in areas which are already saturated from the heavy rainfall we’ve experienced the last few days and could affect properties, roads and disrupt transport links.

“The River Tay in Perth peaked late yesterday evening at its highest level since the 1993 flood and record flood levels were reached on the River Isla in Tayside with extensive flooding of agricultural land, roads and some properties across Strathmore and the river Don in Aberdeenshire.

“In addition to these areas, there remains a risk of flooding for the Scottish Borders, Fife and areas of Caithness over the next few days. While this risk is currently low, a persistent band of heavy rain could bring up to 40mm of rain in eastern parts of the Scottish Borders overnight tonight. Any flooding impacts are expected to be localised and minor, however low lying agricultural land, roads and individual properties could be impacted.

“Strong winds through Tuesday may give rise to possible minor impacts from waves and spray on southern and eastern coastlines of Shetland, Moray and Aberdeenshire, particularly around high tides.

“As always, we would encourage those in vulnerable areas to stay flood prepared and check our live flood updates or sign up to Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for the latest information on flood risk in your area.”